FIELD DAY

Southland Times, Issue 22896, 22 May 1936, Page 5

FIELD DAY

RADIO EMERGENCY CORPS. The Invercargill branch of the Radio Emergency Corps was instructed to stand-by and take part in a field day recently, the conditions being similar to those necessary in the case of a national emergency, such as an earthquake, flood, lost trampers or airmen. The Base Station was under the roof of Mr D. Jackson (ZL. 4JM) who had the assistance of Mr L. Smith (ZL. 48. F.) located at Invercargill. The zone station was located at Waimahaka at the home of Mr R. Kennedy (ZL. 4.FE), who was assisted by Mr J. Searle (ZL. 4.CE) about 30 miles south-east of Invercargill. The outpost station was under the care of Mr F. Hazlett (ZI. 4.H.F.) and Mr H. Sutton (ZL. 4.GX). This station’s equipment, being of a portable nature, was conveyed by car to Pine Bush, about five miles from the zone. Contact was made with the zone 15 minutes after arrival, after the station’s equipment had been covered with a suitable tent. The first message was despatched from there at 11.15 a.m., and by noon all messages allotted for despatch had been sent and checked. Contact was maintained throughout the whole day without difficulty. All stations heard during the tour of duty were duly logged. At the conclusion of the day’s work, valuable information and experience had been gained, and it was agreed that another such day would be well spent. Some time ago an appeal was made through the Press for donations to assist this object and the following amounts are gratefully acknowledged:— £ s d Southland Aero Club 22 0 Southland Alpine Club 110 Lange Bros. 10 6 Anonymous 2 6 Objects of Corps. The Radio Emergency Corps has been licensed by the Government, after a stiff examination, to communicate with each other by radio over certain assigned wave-lengths (frequently channels) using apparatus owned and constructed by the members. These amateurs are an indispensable asset to New Zealand. In times of disaster, such as when there have been earthquakes, floods, storms, aeroplane crashes and trampers and trappers lost in the ranges, the amateurs have provided means of communication, both individually and through the Radio Emerfency Corps when all other means have failed. They pioneered the development of the short-waves and are now pioneering the development of the ultra shortwaves. Thus their contribution to the science of radio is outstanding. They have invested thousands of pounds in their equipment and are a potential market for thousands of pounds worth of additional apparatus. They foster in a practical manner a better filling of international goodwill and obtain much valuable publicity for the country in that their conversations in many cases are with citizens of foreign nations.